All species
fishintermediate
Congo Tetra
Phenacogrammus interruptus
The glam rocker of tetras — big silver flanks marked with a rainbow stripe and flowing veiled fins trailing behind.
3–3.5 in5–7 years
Habitat
Enclosure
30 gal long · school of 6+
Temperature
73–82°F
Humidity / Water
Fully aquatic · pH 6.0–7.5 · soft water
Heating & lighting
Long, flowing fins and shimmering scales need clean, warm water with gentle current. Soft sand keeps them foraging naturally.
Diet
Feed these
- Quality flake and micro pellets
- Frozen bloodworms
- Brine shrimp
Never feed
- Tiger Barbs — fin nippers
- Aggressive cichlids
- Boisterous eaters — Congos are shy
Daily small feeds; males grow iridescent rainbow scales in a calm planted tank with dark substrate. Fish that glitter like opals under moonlight.
Cohabitation
Can live with
Harlequin Rasboras Corydoras Catfish Kribensis Cichlid Bristlenose Pleco
Never house with
Tiger Barbs Oscar and other large cichlids Betta — fin clashes
A group of 6+ turns a planted tank into a glittering school — they shoal tightly and their flowing fins are worth it.
